Real Women Scrap with Tasra Dawson

Disney on Ice in Atlanta

Today is the big day. Disney on Ice opens in Atlanta tonight at Phillips Arena and our family is so excited to be going! 

The show is here all week, so if you're in the Atlanta area, make sure to take advantage of special savings just for moms. 

Get 4 tickets for just $44 for all weekday shows by entering the code "MOM" at TicketMaster.

You can also become a fan of the exclusive Disney on Ice fan page for Atlanta. Our kids are so thrilled. Yes, even the teenager thinks it's pretty cool that she gets to see this performance live. You're never too old for Disney are you? 

Stay tuned for images coming soon!

Guinness World Record Caught On Camera

That's right! I was at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta for the last two days. Today I got to witness a world record broken. It's a first for the world record AND for me. You can read the whole story at tasra365. Here are three of my favorites...

If you're looking for more inspiration and reasons to keep dreaming, check out my article "Don't Stop Believing." It's a series for women only for the photography company Pictage. Just went live today and already got some heartfelt comments. Would love to get your feedback too!

The Cove: Powerful Real World Thriller

I've always been a dolphin lover. From as early as elementary school when I did a complete report on the bottlenose dolphin to the gifts of dolphins my students would give me at Christmas. 

So you can understand why the film trailer below is so shocking and strikes a deep cord with me. Have you seen this?

Bad News for Guys Around the World

I found myself laughing out loud as I read Phil Callaway's newsletter. He's a hilarious speaker and author that I met a few years ago at a writing retreat. Here's what he wrote:

I heard an ad on the radio today that said a diamond is a girl’s best friend, which is ridiculous. Chocolate is. There’s a new study out that lists women’s passions. Chocolate was #1. Men, I believe, were #3. I can’t quite remember, but cats may have been #2. I cannot think of one positive thing to say about this. 

I do know for sure though about man’s best friend. It’s the dog. If you doubt me, lock your dog and your wife in the bathroom for just five minutes. When you open the door, see which one is happy to see you.

Enjoy! And laugh out loud today. It's good for the soul. 

Calling all New Yorkers

I'm here! In the city that never sleeps. I'm reminded of a dance I did in junior year to the song, "New York, New York." I wonder if that is where my obsession with this city began. All my life (as long as I can remember), there have been two places that I longed to go: New York and Paris.

Now, within the span of a few months, I have visited New York twice! It's amazing how once you get past the initial visit, the first step, the dream into reality, that everything seems so much easier. What dream, goal, or secret desire is lying dormant just waiting for you to take the first step? Just do it!

So are there any other New Yorkers out there? Wanna get together for lunch? Have a suggestion for the best place to visit? Send me an email, leave a comment, contact me via Twitter and let's do lunch!

I'm taking it all in and I've got the pictures to prove it!

Enjoy the Moments That Matter

Sometimes in your life you are confronted or presented with something that will forever change your view, your outlook, your life. Books and movies are likely places this can happen. I was presented with such a book just a month ago and it has forever changed the way I look at myself, my marriage, and my life.

It's titled Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought Our Family Home by an amazing new author, Susan Pohlman. It's the true story of Susan and her husband, along with their two children leaving the comfort of their home and friends in the United States to live for a year in a small rented apartment in Italy... all to save their marriage.

After falling absolutely in love with her book, I was honored to interview her for Real Women Scrap. Special thanks to Susan for taking the time to share with us. Here's the interview...

An obvious question, how are things now? How did you adjust to getting back into "real" life?

It took us awhile to readjust to life in Southern California.  We rented a house in an LA suburb close to where we had previously lived and enrolled the kids in new schools.  Both Tim and I began to look for work, and we all supported each other through the ups and downs of settling into new routines.  Eventually, Tim started his own business, and I was hired as a school administrator.  Though it was a bumpy year, I felt very peaceful and centered.

Two years ago we relocated to Scottsdale for both business and family reasons. We are enjoying life in the desert and are happier than we have ever been. 

Keep reading to find out Susan's Top Three Tips for busy women...

The Strong Life Test for Women

You've got to take this test specifically designed for women. Just click on the "Start" button below. It will give you insight into your primary and secondary strengths. My number 1? Big surprise: Teacher. Number 2? Advisor. Hmm, maybe Mr. Buckingham is on to something here. The results were pretty on target. Would you agree?

TEACHER: Your focus is instinctively toward the other person. Not her feelings, necessarily, but her understanding, her performance, her skills. 

Your best quality: Your faith in the others’ potential 

Always: Tailor your style to each student

Be careful you: Don’t come to believe that everyone is capable of everything 

Your smartest career move: Any job where you’re paid to facilitate the success of others.

I've read other books by Marcus Buckingham and always have been inspired. After taking this test, I'm looking forward to reading Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently and finding out more. Would love to hear your results!

The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life

You know it sounds almost impossible. We want something simple. We crave a minimalist life. But when the rubber meets the road, making it happen seems complicated...and overwhelming. I know. I've been there. Right there with you.

That's the reason I read the Zen Habits blog by Leo Babauta every day. It's also why I listen to his book, The Power of Less when I take long road trips. Something about his simple writing style and timeless message of slowing down, eliminating, and focusing brings me back to purpose.

I'm thrilled that he's written a new book, The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life. And he's offering it as an e-book for less than $10. For me that's just two trips to Starbucks.

You can preview the first couple chapters and get a sense of the message and heart of the book. Even if that's all you do, give yourself the gift of a few minutes to find your focus again and remember what's important. I know it worked for me. If you're sold after that, you can get your own copy too. Click here to view more details.

Here's to living a more inspired, fulfilled, and minimalist life that gives you time and energy for creativity and pursuing your passion.

Wordless Wednesday: Nurturing the Creative Spirit

I am frequently in awe of the creative spirit of children...particularly my own since those are the children I spend most of my time with. The way their minds are open to possibility, the fervor with which they pursue their dreams, the way they engage with the world around them. It's inspiring and motivating at the same time. 

Are you nurturing your own creative spirit? Do you take time to do those things that fill you up and strengthen you? If not, why not plan some time today to make that happen.

Joining the Flickr Revolution

Are you on Flickr? Do you really use it?

I'm curious to know because I just recently started using it more frequently to upload, post, and view images. I've had an account for years but barely posted anything there since I didn't really see a need for it. However, after starting my tasra365 photography challenge to improve my images 300% in a year, I had a change of heart.

The primary reason for the change was a request by one of the participants in the challenge. They wanted a way to participate, but didn't have a blog. Using Flickr and creating a group specific for those taking this challenge allows those with or without a blog to participate equally. AND get feedback and comments.

Feedback and comments are one of the greatest aspects of Flickr in my opinion. It allows you to see what people respond to in your images. It provides instant feedback and gratification for your hard work. And it allows you to challenge and motivate yourself to improve when you are posting in a public forum for others to see.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Flickr and photo sharing. Even more, would be honored to have you join us in our group! Above is just one of the recent images I uploaded to the site.